Okie GOPer NOper 2009 Platform Part II

III. STATE
Preamble:
We believe all persons are responsible and should be held accountable for their actions. We believe
in transparent and honest government with minimal intrusion, providing protection for all citizens
with fair and equitable treatment, enforcement, and justice. We realize without economic freedom
there is no political freedom. We believe the greatest incentive for the creation of wealth lies in the
respect for private property rights and in the free enterprise system, which allows for the best and
most efficient distribution of resources.

A. Crime and Punishment

1. We believe that the final solution to all crime is a change of heart and support the utilization of
Christian faith-based and privately-financed programs to reduce recidivism and for the
treatment of drug offenders as an alternative to prison.
2. We believe that the judicial process should be completed in a timely manner.
3. We believe that the criminal should make restitution for crimes. We believe that taxpayer
money should not be used for victim restitution.
4. We support strict law enforcement and punishment for all crimes, including the use of the
death penalty when appropriate.
5. We believe victims and/or their agents shall have the right to attend all hearings pertaining to
crime(s) committed against them.
6. We support legislation that would eliminate the filing of frivolous lawsuits by incarcerated
persons.

7. We oppose all “hate crime” and “thought crime” laws.
8. We support a profitable compensation when housing criminals from other states in Oklahoma.
9. We believe that the name of public officials convicted of felonies should be removed from any
public buildings, bridges, structures, etc.

B. Economic Development

1. We believe that Oklahoma’s efforts to attract industry should be grounded upon the
establishment of a favorable and friendly economic climate rather than upon tax and other
governmental subsidies to individual businesses.
2. We support corporate and business laws and regulations to encourage business and economic
development while reflecting free market principles, not corporate welfare through the
Department of Commerce or similar agencies.

3. We support open competition in all industries to encourage economic development.
4. We support improving Oklahoma’s Workers’ Compensation system to make it more business
friendly while protecting the rights of Oklahoma workers. The present court system should be
changed to an administrative system.
5. We support the abolition of Tax Increment Financing districts because they encourage and
enable fascism by creating taxes to fund collaborative public-private real estate investments.
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C. Election Reform

1. We encourage centrally-located polling places in each precinct to make them more accessible
to voters.
2. We support the consolidation of election dates in order to conserve state money and to increase
voter participation.
3. We support requiring the Bureau of Vital Statistics to report, in a timely manner, any deaths
reported to them to all affected state and county agencies, especially county election boards.
4. We support requiring voters to present their valid government-issued photo ID and voter
registration card before voting.
5. We support ending absentee and early voting two weeks prior to an election date and requiring
the County Election Board to mark all absentee and early ballots on the voter registration roll.
6. We support a requirement that each vote cast in all elections be documented, by a paper or
other physical record.
7. We support the secret ballot for all elections, i.e., union, business, political, etc.
8. We support less restrictive ballot access for all political parties, candidates, and ballot
initiatives.
9. We support public access to the counting and tabulation of votes at all levels.
10. We believe a Political Action Committee (PAC) composed of or controlled by Legislators
should not recruit candidates nor support any candidate until the primary selection process is
complete.
11. We support county elections being declared nonpartisan.
12. We support allowing Oklahomans to hire out-of-state citizens to gather signatures on petitions.
13. We support restoring a 60% majority for all general obligation bond issues.

D. Environment, Water, and Energy

1. The responsible use of natural resources is essential for the benefit for future generations. We
support environmental regulations that are based on sound science, that respect the rights of
property owners and that do not impose unreasonable burdens on our state’s businesses.
2. We strongly oppose the State of Oklahoma selling water rights to out-of-state buyers.
3. We strongly oppose the use of eminent domain for any water sale.
4. We believe that a sustainable supply of water for a local area should be a priority before any
permit is granted which would transfer water outside a local basin or aquifer area. Water is a
natural resource, not a commodity, and should be protected for use by local residents,
agriculture, and industry.
5. We believe that water permits should not allow the withdrawal of water in large volumes such
that the private property rights of other landowners are infringed.
6. We believe the definition of hazardous waste should exclude animal waste.
7. We support the right of states to provide water for present and future use in the next 100 years
within their borders by state residents before they can be appropriated or designated for use in
other states.
8. We support an energy policy based on the efficient use and expansion of current sources such
as fossil fuels, clean coal, and nuclear energy, and exploration and efficient use of other
sources such as biofuels, wind, solar and water energy.
9. We believe that wind rights are a private property right.

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E. Immigration

1. We support strong enforcement of state and federal laws for dealing with illegal aliens,
including but not limited to the removal of illegal aliens. We oppose any form of amnesty.
2. We support the elimination of “sanctuary cities” for illegal aliens.
3. We believe legal guest workers should assume social costs, such as education and health care
for themselves and their dependents.
4. We support the meeting of legal requirements for citizenship to exclude the provision of
“anchor babies.”
5. We support the implementation of the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act (HB
1804 of 2007) as written.
6. We support substantial state fines for employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens.
7. We support issuing a driver’s license only to citizens and others who reside here legally, not to
illegal aliens.

F. Insurance
1. We oppose no-fault insurance.
2. We oppose market interference by the State Legislature in setting insurance premiums.
G. State - All Levels of Government
1. We believe that the size of state government should be reduced in order to allow people to do
those things they can do best for themselves.
2. We believe that outdated and irrelevant statutes should be repealed in keeping with the
philosophy of smaller government.
3. We believe in transparent and honest government in the Oklahoma Legislature, all legislative
committees, and state and county agencies:
a. We oppose any exemptions to the current Open Meetings & Open Records Act.
b. We support providing an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with
the Open Meetings & Records Act and with audit findings.
4. We support external annual performance and financial audits and also public disclosure of all
financial records of public institutions including trusts, authorities, libraries, community
foundations, all state retirement funds and teacher retirement funds.
5. We support the protection of all public employees, including higher education employees, by
the Whistle Blower Act.
6. We believe all state agencies should be made accountable for maintenance of their records and
accurate enforcement of rules, policies, and regulations.
7. We support term limits for all elected officers to be twelve years, excluding those already
defined to a lesser term.
8. We believe that the judiciary should apply the law and should not make law or policy by fiat.
We support a strong review process for sitting justices.
9. We demand that all elected and appointed officials aggressively uncover, remedy and
prosecute all waste, fraud, and abuse in government.
10. We support the repeal of Title 11, Section 22-104.1 of the OK Statutes, which enables a
municipal corporation to engage in any business it is authorized to license.
11. We oppose unfunded mandates by the State Legislature and state agencies.
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H. State Agencies and Departments
1. We believe any recipient of public assistance funds should pass drugs tests and be a legal U.S.
citizen and legal resident of Oklahoma to qualify.
2. We believe the Attorney General should be removed from the District Attorney’s Council so
that locally elected officials have the proper degree of autonomy.
3. We believe that no governmental agency should require from any citizen any information that
is not essential to the direct performance of the agency’s operation or mandate.
4. We support the elimination or consolidation of numerous authorities, boards, commissions, and
agencies.

I. State Legislation/Legislature

1. We support any and all legislation that maintains our inalienable right to freedom of speech.
2. We believe that it is the responsibility of individual legislators to read and to be
knowledgeable of all pieces of legislation prior to voting. We believe that all bills should be
limited to one issue.
3. We oppose the final passage of any legislation before the full text has been written.
4. We support full funding and administrative consolidation of all state retirement systems under
the same authority using the same formula for and providing the same cost of living
adjustments (COLAs) and other benefits for all members.
5. We believe that all state-tribal compacts and agreements should require the approval of both
houses of the Legislature in addition to the ten-member Joint Committee on State-Tribal
Relations.
6. We oppose further erosion and surrender of Oklahoma sovereignty to Indian tribes.
7. We support legislation rescinding Oklahoma’s previous calls for a U.S. Constitutional
Convention.
8. We believe that Oklahoma should ratify a proposed Balanced Federal Budget Amendment to
the U.S. Constitution promptly upon its submission to the states.
9. We support full protection of the U.S. Second Amendment rights in Oklahoma.
10. We support the Tenth Amendment in the Bill of Rights, which explicitly limits the Federal
government’s powers to those enumerated in the Constitution of the United States. The
Sovereign State of Oklahoma shall empower state law enforcement to restore peace and to
protect Oklahoma citizens through the arrest and prosecution of any persons/agents attempting
to inflict unconstitutional laws/mandates on its citizens.
11. We support the use of eminent domain only for public use and support excluding “blighted” as
a reason for taking agricultural land. We oppose the use of eminent domain for private
purposes or increased taxes.
12. We support the fundamental right to own and to enjoy our private property, and we oppose
restrictions or losses of that right.
13. We support fair, just, and timely compensation for property owners when governmental
regulations limit property use.
14. We believe that real property should be acquired by the state only with revenue from duly
assessed taxes because donations increase the size of government and the tax burden on
citizens who must maintain that property.
15. We believe any law or bill that restricts public records to any office in the county courthouse
shall be removed from the books.
16. We support animal identification programs only if they are voluntary.
17. We support the appointment of County Election Board secretaries by a majority vote of state
legislators representing all or part of each county instead of by the State Senate Pro Tem.
18. We support the implementation of "sunset laws."
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19. We support the adoption of English as the official state language with all official documents,
signs, and forms printed only in English. One language is a practical means for unifying
communication and will reduce taxpayer expense and strengthen communities.
20. We believe that the Oklahoma driver’s license should be required to reveal enough facial
features to provide positive photo identification.
21. We support the repeal of mandatory fingerprinting or other traceable biometric information,
and we oppose the maintenance of a biometric database, in connection with an application for a
driver’s license or government ID.
22. We believe Oklahoma should “opt out” of the National Real I.D. Act and should not participate
in any federal, national, or global I.D. scheme.
23. We support tort lawsuit reform.
24. We support permitting title insurance in lieu of an abstract for property transactions.
25. We believe the Oklahoma Lottery should be repealed.
26. We oppose the expansion of gambling in any form in Oklahoma.
27. We support strengthening protections for homeowners against any arbitrary zoning change,
which damages property values and oppose “Sustainable Development”.
28. We support amending the current Right to Farm law to explicitly allow for expansion,
production, technological changes and measures to protect these amendments.
29. We support legislation that serves all citizens with disabilities, that appropriately ensures the
quality of life, allows community participation, and gives access to appropriate programs and
services. This legislation shall not be specific to any one disability and should encourage
individual and familial responsibility and independence.

J. Transportation
1. We support efficient and necessary spending on our state, county and local roads and bridges
because they are essential for sustainable economic growth and development.
2. We support the elimination of toll roads.
3. We support legislation requiring that all state fuel and vehicle taxes and tag fees go to state,
county and local transportation infrastructure.
4. We support the state and its citizens maintaining control of all transportation instead of selling
or leasing control of that right to foreign entities, corporations, private/public partnerships, or
other states.
5. We oppose the NAFTA superhighway.
6. We support a free market-based public transportation system as opposed to government
funding.
7. We oppose public-private partnerships and the use of eminent domain to build and operate toll
roads and bridges.

IV. FEDERAL

Preamble:
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land and should be interpreted
according to the original intent of the founding fathers. We call for reaffirmation of our God-given
rights enumerated in the first ten amendments, the Bill of Rights. Our founding fathers based the
Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and early laws on traditional Judeo-
Christian Bible, ethics, and values. We believe that these documents are the basis for law, order,
and behavior, allowing individuals, including government officials, the freedom to involve God in
all activities according to their consciences.
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The Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches, are separate but equal, and are bound by the
powers granted them by the Constitution, which limits the powers of the federal government and
protects individual rights from illegal and excessive encroachment by the government. We support
foreign policy that acknowledges the sovereignty of the United States and places the interests and
values of its citizens above those of the United Nations or any international organization, publicprivate
corporation/partnership or any private corporation. We believe in a strong national defense
and support for our military.
Whereas, the founders of America used the philosophers Locke, Montesquieu, and Blackstone in
the creation of our form of government and legal system; and given that, all these philosophers’
writings are replete with references to Biblical principles; and given that, these principles and the
God of the Bible are referenced and used in America’s founding documents and legal system; we
declare and affirm, that the Biblical Philosophy is the core and unique philosophy of American
government and law. Given this fact, we support philosophical consistency between America’s
governmental, legal, and societal institutions. We support the exclusive use of the Biblical
Philosophy in these institution’s laws and policies.

A. Defense
1. We support maintaining a strong national defense and advocate “peace through strength.”
2. We support the continued effort to pursue and bring to justice terrorists and the entities that
harbor or support them within the limits set forth in the U.S. Constitution.
3. We believe that adequate research and development of new weapons and defense technologies,
including anti-ballistic missile systems, are a vital part of a strong national defense and should
be fully funded.
4. We believe defense initiatives should protect against threats from weapons of mass destruction.
5. We support improved pay, living conditions, and educational opportunities for our armed
forces to aid in retention and recruitment.
6. We support defense spending to provide clean state-of-the-art facilities, quality training, and
the best equipment and training for our armed forces.
7. We oppose the erosion of our military’s readiness through:
a. “Gender-norming” for training and promotion.
b. Co-ed basic training and housing.
c. “Sensitivity training” that supports or promotes the homosexual lifestyle.
d. Openly practicing homosexuals serving in the military.
8. We oppose re-instituting the draft.
9. We oppose the use of U.S. military troops where they would not be under the leadership of
American commanders.
10. We support an increase in veterans and survivors benefits and support the expeditious
fulfillment of the promises written and implied of those benefits.
11. We oppose the relinquishment of strategically essential U.S. military facilities worldwide; and,
we support the military’s unrestricted use of their training areas.
12. We support the goal of securing our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and the
enhancement of national defense against espionage and terrorist activity while ensuring the
protection of individual lives, property and rights as afforded by the U.S. Constitution.
13. We believe any learning institution that inhibits the normal operations of ROTC or military
recruiters should be ineligible for government funding.
14. We assert that the oath of allegiance sworn by all U.S. military personnel shall be upheld under
all circumstances; and furthermore, we assert that no other oath shall replace or amend it.
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15. We support the freedom of military chaplains to provide religious services, including in the
name of Jesus.
16. We believe the military, under the command of the President, is the best judge to choose rules
of engagement.
17. We support the historical values and uses of our military, and we believe its only mission
should be national defense.

B. Foreign Policy

1. We support the revocation of “Permanent Normal Trade Relations” status and oppose
admission to the World Trade Organization for any country that is a security threat to the
United States.
2. We should support Israel politically, economically, geographically, and militarily.
3. Global commitments involving foreign aid or peacekeeping forces should be time-limited and
include specific benchmarks.
4. We oppose any compromise of national sovereignty by treaties or trade agreements.
5. We oppose the sale of dual-use technologies by U.S. corporations not only to designated
terrorist nations but also to antagonistic nations.
6. We oppose any transfer of wealth from the US taxpayers to any foreign governments, usually
referred to as foreign aid.
7. We support the protection of American intellectual property rights including access to our
patents.
8. We oppose the creation of a common currency for North, Central, and South America, other
than the U.S. dollar as authorized and issued only by the United States.
9. We oppose foreign control over any ports or bases in or around the United States or the
Panama Canal Zone.
10. We support policies that protect all U.S. allies.
11. We support the import of medication from other countries in order to lower the cost, if U.S.
standards are enforced.
12. We support equal access to global markets for U.S. agricultural products and elimination of
unfair limits.
13. Excessive trade deficits are a threat to our economic stability and our government should stop
using them as a geo-political tool as a form of foreign aid.
14. We oppose the construction of a Transcontinental Super Corridor Highway (also known as
NAFTA superhighway), The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, and the
creation of The North American Union. Additionally, we oppose support of, or participation in,
a new global compact called a League of Democracies, as we are a unique and constitutional,
representative Republic. Furthermore, we oppose the creation of, or participation in, a Trans-
Atlantic Common Market.
15. We oppose efforts by our government to pressure Israel or any other nation into negotiating
with terrorists.
16. We urge Congress to withdraw from and avoid free trade pacts—such as NAFTA, CAFTA,
and FTAA— because they threaten our national sovereignty.

C. United Nations

1. We believe that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land and that no other
laws shall supersede it, including conventions, resolutions, rulings, treaties, mandates or any
other laws or policies written by the United Nations or any other international organization.
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2. We oppose relinquishment of our national sovereignty to the United Nations and oppose the
action of any international organization that would supersede the rights of a United States
citizen or conscript their person or property in any fashion.
3. We believe the United Nations should be held accountable financially, ethically, and morally.
4. We oppose the United Nations’ treaty titled the Rights of the Child.
5. We oppose the Law of Sea Treaty because it would turn 7/10ths of the earth’s surface over to
the United Nations.
6. We oppose the adoption of any United Nations sustainable development “Agenda 21”
initiatives into the governmental planning authorities, policies, or body of law of the United
States of America.
7. Be it resolved that the United States of America should withdraw from the United Nations and
that the United Nations Headquarters be removed from United States territory.
8. We oppose a United Nations tax applied directly or indirectly to citizens of the United States.

D. Constitutional Issues

1. We affirm our right under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution to exercise
our freedom of speech, including religious speech. We believe the First Amendment’s
Establishment Clause was intended to prevent a state-sponsored or preferred religion, not to
separate God from our government or to remove religion from public life.
2. We support the right under the Second Amendment for Americans to keep and bear arms;
therefore, we oppose any attempts, whether by law or regulation at any level of government, to
restrict any law-abiding citizen’s right to keep and bear arms, or which would restrict access to
ammunition, or record the purchase thereof. We also oppose any federal taxation on firearms
or ammunition.
3. We support the repeal of the Brady Bill.
4. We oppose any legislation that would require the use of trigger or other locking devices on
firearms.
5. We support legislation that will protect gun manufacturers or resellers from lawsuits
attempting to hold the manufacturers or resellers liable for misuse of guns.
6. We oppose any assault weapons ban and any efforts to register firearms or ammunition.
7. We oppose legislation that would require gun owners to purchase insurance policies covering
the misuse of their firearms.
8. We believe the United States Constitution empowers the judiciary to interpret law, not create
law, through judicial activism.
9. We oppose the use of parliamentary procedure to avoid voting on the confirmation of any
judicial nominee.
10. We support the Tenth Amendment that states “the powers not delegated to the United States by
the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to
the people.”
11. We affirm the other provisions enumerated in the Bill of Rights, including the right to due
process and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, nor should private property be
taken for public use without just compensation. Therefore, we oppose the Patriot Act and call
for its repeal.
12. We support, recommend, and encourage the display of religious symbols, including the Ten
Commandments in public places.
13. We support capital punishment.
14. We support the effort to amend 42 U.S. Code, Section 1988 of the Civil Rights Act to rescind
the authority of judges to award attorney fees in cases brought to remove or destroy religious
symbols.
15. We support the present Constitutional requirement that the President be native born.
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16. If the United States is to have a central bank, it shall be under the control of the United States
government, not a private bank like the Federal Reserve. The currency of the United States
shall be backed by gold or silver.
17. We oppose court decisions based on International Law instead of American and
Constitutional doctrine.
18. In keeping with the First Amendment, we believe that freedom of speech is fundamental to our
system of governance and our society; therefore, be it resolved that we oppose the “Fairness
Doctrine” that would, in fact, constrain free speech.
19. In keeping with the First Amendment, we oppose the concept of “Free Speech Zones”.
E. Social Security

1. We believe that Social Security and government pension funds should be used only for the
original purpose for which they were intended and taken off-budget.
2. We support heightened security to safeguard individual Social Security numbers.
3. We believe taxpayers should have more ownership and control over individual Social Security
accounts, including a percentage of their Social Security tax in private investments at their
option.
4. We support repealing the 1993 Clinton tax on Social Security benefits.
5. We support the inclusion of the Legislative and Judicial Branches as part of the same Social
Security program and the elimination of their current retirement programs.
F. Agriculture

WE SUPPORT:

1. The immediate implementation of country of origin labeling on all whole food and fiber
products. We strongly support only products “born, raised, slaughtered, and processed” or
“sprouted, harvested, grown and processed” in this country to receive a U.S. label.
2. Further study of genetically modified food products and the effects on food supplies.
3. The immediate enforcement of the Anti-Trust Laws by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture that
affect the livestock packer concentration issue (1929 Stackers & Packers Act).
4. Reducing fuel taxes, both federal and state for agricultural use.
5. Eliminating all programs, including tax breaks, which support the production, sale, or
distribution of genetically modified food (GMO).

WE OPPOSE:

1. Self-audit legislation monitoring large-scale swine and poultry producers.
2. Overly restrictive regulation of carbon and particulate matter emissions in the agricultural
industry.
3. Animals being granted legal rights in the same fashion as human beings.
4. Our continued participation in the World Trade Organization, and urge Congress to withdraw
from the WTO.
5. The compulsory registration and electronic chipping of livestock and the related costs to
farmers and ranchers, via participation in the National Animal Identification Programs, at any
level.
6. Livestock taxation.
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WE RECOMMEND:

1. That the USDA Agriculture appropriations be divided to accurately show the percentage of
money set aside for agriculture.
G. Immigration

WE SUPPORT:

1. Legal immigration and appreciate and cherish the immigrants who have entered the country
legally and gained their citizenship through hard work, determination, and an appreciation of
our way of life and form of government.
2. Strict enforcement of current laws on illegal immigration with punishment to the full extent of
the law and adequately funding the agencies responsible for their enforcement.
3. Securing our borders against potential enemies of the United States.
4. The principle that a person must have at least one parent as a U.S. citizen in order to be granted
birthright citizenship.
5. A strictly regulated and enforced guest worker program.
6. The method for determining the number of immigrants and temporary visa holders allowed in
the United States should be revised to prevent an adverse effect on our national security,
wages, housing, the environment, medical care or schools, and that immigration preference be
given to those possessing skills needed by our country.

WE OPPOSE:

1. Reconsideration of the amnesty issue known as “earned legalization.”
2. Illegal aliens being given the same privileges as U.S. citizens or legal aliens, including
entitlements such as social security, health, education, and earned income tax credits, even if
they or their children have work or student status.
3. Non-citizens having the right to vote.
4. Any amnesty or guest worker policy that does not require those individuals currently in the
United States illegally to return to their native country or country of choice. We further oppose
a “path to citizenship” that would grant citizenship to illegal aliens faster than to immigrants
who have come to the United States through traditional legal means.
H. Election Reform

WE SUPPORT:

1. Continuation of the Electoral College as prescribed by the U. S. Constitution.
2. The repeal of the Motor Voter Act.
3. Requiring the use of a government issued ID at polling places.
4. Mandatory and swift penalties for voter fraud.
5. Repeal of the bipartisan McCain/Feingold Campaign Reform Act.
6. Strict verification of voter eligibility when registering.
7. That the current $3.00 Presidential Primary check-off on tax forms be changed to an add-on
(where taxpayers who check the item pay the $3.00 by adding it to their tax bills, or reducing
the $3.00 from their refunds).
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WE OPPOSE:

1. Broadcast of projected and/or actual election results before all the polls have closed.
2. Same day voter registration and postcard registrations due to the fact that these laws open the
door to voter fraud and should be prohibited.
3. Campaign finance laws that restrict our First Amendment right to freedom of speech by
limiting private contributions and resources.
4. Voting via the Internet.
I. Federal General

WE SUPPORT:

1. The reduction of government red tape and regulations.
2. The elimination of government funding for the Public Broadcasting System, the National
Endowment for the Arts, and National Public Radio. We believe they are fully capable of
sustaining themselves in today's market and should be denied tax-exempt status.
3. Free, open and fair markets.
4. A new national vision for space exploration, which expands the boundaries of our scientific
knowledge, as well as increased funding for new technologies and new transportation systems
to accomplish our goals.
5. Review and overhaul of the Endangered Species Act.
6. Abolishment of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Its powers,
responsibilities, and authorities should be distributed to state policing agencies.
7. Abolishment of the Office of the Surgeon General.
8. Review and overhaul of the Environmental Protection Agency.
9. Review and overhaul of the Federal Department of Labor.
10. Abolishment of the federal minimum wage.
11. Repeal of federal legislation that requires paying prevailing union wages on government
contracts.
12. Protection of public and private sector employee "whistle-blowers".
13. The enforcement of the Supreme Court's decision in the “Communications Workers of
America vs. Beck” regarding the refunding of union dues used for partisan political activity.
14. A constitutional amendment setting term limits for the U.S. Congress.
15. Equal rights and opportunity for all. Therefore, we believe “affirmative action” is more
harmful than beneficial.
16. The right of private associations to admit or deny membership based on what each
association’s conscience dictates.
17. A Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to affirm legal protection for the unborn
child.
18. Congress passing The English Language Act, which would make English our official language
in the United States. We urge our congressional delegation to co-sponsor this bill.
19. Congress passing a National Right-To-Work law.
20. Implementation of "sunset laws" and "zero-based budgeting" and performance audits to require
justification for government programs.
21. Travel by government employees and elected officials at tax payer’s expense should be
severely restricted.
22. Keeping the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. Currency and support leaving “Under God” in
our Pledge of Allegiance.
23. Tort Reform that provides actual determination of injury costs to a plaintiff and a settlement
that is in direct proportion to the injury as if it were suffered by the defendant.
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24. The appointment of federal judges who will interpret the U.S. Constitution according to the
intent of the Framers rather than create law through judicial activism. We encourage the
Congress to use appropriate constitutional action to discourage judicial activism.
25. Limiting the expansion of new lands in tribal trust.
26. Stricter penalties for the use of stun guns in the execution of criminal acts.
27. The transfer of welfare and any other federal/state entitlement programs, to the private sector,
to help those who are truly incapable of self support, and the removal of those who do not
qualify.

28. A requirement for all able-bodied welfare recipients to work for the private sector or a
government generated job.
29. Restoration of the military’s practice to allow Scout Troops to meet on military bases.
30. The complete accounting of all MIAs and POWs that were engaged in military actions by the
United States.
31. That Congress should impeach all justices – including Supreme Court Justices – who step
beyond the boundaries originally intended in our founding documents.
32. The process of habeas corpus for legal U.S. Citizens and oppose any part of any legislation
which abrogates it.
33. Repeal of the 16th Amendment, elimination of the IRS, lower federal spending, and an
equitable low-rate consumption tax in place of the income tax.
34. The right of states to provide water for the present and future use in the next 100 years within
their borders before water can be appropriated or designated for use in other states.
35. The repeal of Sarbanes-Oxley Law.

36. For the unity and security of our nation, we strongly encourage and support the establishment
of English as the official language.
37. Aggressive security measures, including statistical profiling and monitoring phone calls of
suspected terrorists in accordance with the U.S. Constitution.
38. When U.S. Conference Committees meet, they should consider only those items from the
House and/or Senate. No additional expenditures and items shall be added.

WE OPPOSE:

1. Discrimination based on race, creed, disability, or sex.
2. Socialized medicine.
3. Embryonic stem cell research.
4. The Kyoto Accord Treaty.
5. All congressional pay increases until the federal budget is balanced.
6. Statehood for the District of Columbia and allowing its representative a vote in Congress.
7. A temporary assistance package for lenders or borrowers in mortgage foreclosures. The free
market should be allowed to work.
8. The use of public/private partnerships to fund public infrastructure and services.
9. Whereas, the so-called “Real I.D.” Act is unconstitutional and amounts to an unprecedented
grant of power to government in general, and the federal government in particular, we oppose
implementation of a “national identification card” or any dermal, subdermal, internal or
otherwise implanted device for the identification and tracking of any U.S. citizen or their
personal property for any reason.
10. All bailout plans or transfer of wealth from those that work to those who made bad choices or
don’t work.
11. The creation of a new federal internal security force.
12. The federal creation of wage caps.
13. The seizure of control of the census process by the president and we call for it to remain under
the control of the Department of Commerce. We oppose any non-citizen in the census.
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WE BELIEVE:

1. The government should be required to operate within a true and accurate balanced budget with
the elimination of earmarks.
2. In faith-based organizations and the return of tax dollars to citizens so they can fund the
organization’s work.
3. That all official business at all levels of government be conducted and printed only in English,
our nation's common language.
4. That legislation should come from legislative bodies and not the judiciary or regulatory
agencies.
5. That former federal legislators should be restricted from working as lobbyists for a period of
seven years following their last legislative term.
6. Native Americans have been granted rights and privileges not afforded to other U.S. Citizens.
We encourage Congress to make such special rights and privileges more equitable with those
of other citizens of the U.S.
7. That the 9-11 commission’s investigation was concluded prematurely and should be reopened.
8. That the individual right of property supersedes the governmental prerogative of eminent
domain.
9. That the constitution provides for a clear and distinct separation of powers amongst the three
branches of government and any governmental action that tends to promote or allow one
branch of government to practice the power or powers of the other branches of government is a
violation of the limits placed on government by the people.
10. That individuals, families, churches, and private organizations should take responsibility in
meeting the needs of the citizens of the community.
11. That while all crimes are abhorrent, any definition of a “hate crime” or harsher penalties based
on those definitions are, by their nature, an infringement of the right of conscience guaranteed
by the First Amendment.
J. Energy

WE SUPPORT:

1. Creation and enactment of a national energy policy to reduce dependence on foreign sources.
We believe dependence on foreign energy sources is a national security issue.
2. Development of domestic resources, renewable fuels, and research for nonfood biofuels and
other alternative energy sources.
3. Reasonable expansion of oil and gas exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge
(ANWR) and in offshore areas where it is currently prohibited. We believe that the federal
government should work to ease restrictions in the search for natural resources.
4. The private expansion of oil and gas refining facilities.
5. The private expansion of nuclear energy.
6. Rejection of the “Cap and Trade” system for carbon dioxide as the approach to dealing with
so-called “climate change”. This is really a pass-on tax, which is a disincentive for energy
exploration and production and would result in skyrocketing consumer energy prices.
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V. BUDGET AND TAXATION

National Preamble:

We believe that the Constitution of the United States is the most remarkable civil document in the
history of the world. It enumerates the powers that the people have granted to the federal
government, reserving all others to the states or to the people. We believe that the federal
government, over time, has come to ignore or circumvent the limitations placed on its authority by
the Constitution. We are particularly concerned that our God-given rights and the right of states
enumerated in the “Bill of Rights” (the first ten amendments to the Constitution) are in grave
danger of being eviscerated.
As Republicans, we believe in the United States Constitution and that we have a God-given right to
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe that the United States Constitution means
exactly what was written and that its language should be strictly followed. We believe that all
branches of the federal government are bound by its restrictions and do not have any authority to
act outside of the Constitution, no matter how well intentioned, to grant benefits or dispose of
personal private property. We reaffirm our belief that the Constitution recognizes the right of each
citizen to equal treatment under the law. We oppose efforts by the federal government to create
social change through governmental policy, commonly called ‘social or economic engineering.’
We believe that American people face a daunting and challenging economic reality. The problems
that we face today are the results of decades of ever increasing governmental involvement in the
free market system. The solutions to these problems will not be found in Washington, D.C. or in the
respective state capitols. The solutions to our current economic issues start in local communities
and will involve the recognition of economic realties and the value of hard work. The economic
success of honest and hardworking individual Americans should be respected and not penalized by
calls for ‘fairness’ or higher taxation. Freeing the American people to succeed and enjoy the fruits
of their labor will be the most effective way to increase jobs, increase real wages, and to generally
expand the American economy.

We believe in the time-honored Republican tradition of personal accountability and responsibility
for our behaviors. We believe that charity belongs in the private and religious sectors and not in the
hands of government at any level. All ‘charity’ conducted in the name of the state first requires the
confiscations of the resources of private individuals. We believe that the objective of all forms of
private charity should be the restoration and independence of individuals. The permanent reliance
of able-bodied individuals upon a charity for basic subsistence is a tragedy and a waste of human
potential.

Whereas, we as Republicans support the concept of private property, we view existing wealth and all
income as belonging to the individuals and organizations that rightfully gained such property.
Taxes are only valid where they provide for legitimate government functions, where they are the
least amount necessary, where they are equitably derived, and where government agencies are held
to strict accountability for the efficient use of these funds. We urge government at all levels to lower
taxes to stimulate economic growth. We support the promotion of free enterprise with minimal
government intervention. We oppose double taxation, the estate tax, any tax increases, fee
increases, lottery or other revenue-raising schemes to balance the budget. Federal, state, and local
budgets, should be balanced by decreasing spending, eliminating fraud and duplication of services.
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A. Federal Budget and Taxation

1. We support requiring a balanced federal budget, except in times of Congressionally-declared
war.
2. We support repeal or consolidation of federal, state, and local programs found to be nonperforming,
duplicative, or not authorized by the constitution.
3. We support reform of the congressional budget process that is out of control and laden with
earmarks and other “pork barrel” spending. We insist that our representatives refuse to insert
any “earmarks” that have not been debated openly and voted on in the Congress.
4. We support zero-based budgeting with transparency in government spending.
5. We support taking the Social Security Trust Fund off-budget. The Social Security Trust Fund
and all other trust funds should be spent only for the stated purpose and not placed in the
general fund.
6. We support tax policies that promote personal savings and capital formation.
7. We support elimination of the marriage penalty, capital gains taxes, the alternative minimum
tax and double-taxation of dividends.
8. We support tax and economic policies that encourage industry and agriculture to expand
business opportunities in the United States of America.
9. We support the Internet remaining free of government taxes, fees, and regulations.
10. We support a 60% majority vote by Congress to increase taxes, except for defense spending in
time of Congressionally-declared war.
11. We support workable Medical Savings Accounts (MSA's), tax credits for medical insurance,
and a free market approach to health care, which protects the traditional doctor/patient
relationship. We reject further socialization of health care.
12. We support replacing the present special Congressional pension and health care benefits with
the same ones that the citizens are forced to use, that is namely, private savings, Social
Security, and Medicare. We recognize that Congress has no personal motivation to overhaul
the present failing Social Security and Medicare systems because they have exempted
themselves from them.
13. We support the repeal of the current incomprehensible and unfair tax code based on income as
defined by the Congress. We support reducing the massive IRS bureaucracy.
14. We support making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent.
15. We support a requirement that all bills presented in Congress identify the specific
Constitutional authorization.
16. We oppose taxes or other incentives for businesses that encourage the exportation of jobs from
the United States to foreign nations.
17. We oppose governmental efforts to stimulate the economy or bail out troubled entities through
massive increases in governmental spending, crushing debt, and massive tax increases. We
also oppose proposals to simply “print money” to allow increased spending since it will further
devalue our currency through runaway inflation.
18. We oppose federal “make-work” projects. Since money must first be taxed from the
productive private sector, these programs do not generate economic growth.
19. We oppose the nationalization of private businesses and enterprises. We further oppose efforts
to establish a governmental authority to provide support or subsidies in return for partial or
complete control of private enterprises.
20. We oppose federal programs that enlarge the number of Americans dependent upon
governments for their basic subsistence. We also oppose federal economic bailouts to the
states or other entities.
21. We oppose overly restrictive or punitive fuel taxes and regulation of carbon and particulate
matter emissions in the agricultural industry.
22. We oppose any carbon-credit or mileage tax.
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State Preamble:

We realize that without economic freedom there is no political freedom. We believe that the greatest
incentive for the creation of wealth lies in the respect for private property rights and that the free
market is the best and most efficient distributor of scarce resources.
We reaffirm our belief that the best government is that which is smallest, least intrusive, and closest
to the people.

We deplore the legislative duplicity of raising taxes through the subterfuge of increasing fees,
regulations, licenses, fines, adding toll roads, etc.
We applaud the Republican majorities in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives and in the
State Senate and their announced agenda of limited and accountable government, lower taxes,
economic freedom, property rights, personal responsibility, the sanctity of the unborn, and strong
traditional families.

A. State Budget and Taxation

1 We support annual indexing of the state homestead exemption and any capital gains taxation to
account for inflation.
2. We support full funding for the unfunded liability of the Oklahoma Teacher’s Retirement
Fund.
3. We support eliminating taxation on qualified retirement plans.
4. We support use of all vehicle fuel taxes and license fees for repair and maintenance of roads
and bridges, as those taxes were originally authorized. Any tax or fee set up for a particular
purpose should be used solely for that purpose or should be repealed.
5. We support repeal of Title19, Section 6A in Oklahoma Statutes that ties advalorum taxes to the
compensation of elected or appointed officials and their employees.
6. We support lowering or removing the state sales tax on groceries.
7. We support regular and independent audits of city and county governments and entities such as
the Career-Tech school system.
8. We support legislation requiring that state lottery funds be applied in addition to, not as a
replacement for, state funding of schools.
9. We support legislation capping property valuation increases for seniors, reduction of state
income tax rates and taxes on retirement income, and repeal of the estate tax to create a more
business-friendly and retiree-friendly state.
10. We support a resolution by the Oklahoma Legislature insisting that the United States Congress
obey the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
11. We support a Taxpayer Bill of Rights plan such as that proposed by the Oklahoma Council of
Public Affairs to limit the annual growth in state government and to protect the “rainy-day”
fund.
12. We support the use of “zero-based budgeting” to require justification of need.
13. We support setting the state personal exemption and standard deduction rates to be the same as
the federal rates.
14. We support the equalization of taxes on retirement income for all classes of taxpayers.
15. We support allowing the voters in a school district to opt out of a Career Tech district and the
corresponding millage levies.
16. We support requiring all initiative petitions to define the funding mechanisms.
17. We oppose the setting of salaries for county employees based on the assessed valuation of
property in that county.
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18. We oppose a state mandated minimum wage.
19. We oppose state franchise taxes and taxes on business inventories and fixed assets.
20. We oppose de-facto (“automatic”) annual increases in assessed valuation of real estate.
21. We oppose de-facto control of the entire state election apparatus by the Senate President Pro-
Tem.
VI. ADDENDUM

A. Republican Party

1. In order to strengthen grassroots involvement in elections, we encourage State and County
GOP organizations to consistently conduct their business with openness and transparency,
notify local media in advance of precinct meetings, and post locations and times on the
Internet.
2. While Oklahoma Republicans may not agree on all issues, we participate to build a better state
for future generations. We are hopeful that our party, while composed of many individual
views, will unite within the Republican Party ideals of fiscal and moral conservatism. We
believe the Republican Party is the best hope for translating positive and successful principles
of government into action. With the passage of this platform, we unite and pledge our support.
3. We believe that grassroots reform begins with transparent and accountable governance at the
local level; therefore, we urge counties to recruit and support Republicans for county and city
offices in the courthouse and local governments throughout the state.
4. For a Republican candidate for elective office to receive the endorsement of the Oklahoma
Republican Party, he must read and “mark up” a copy of the Republican Party Platform,
indicating his agreement or disagreement with each plank, with explanation as necessary, and
leave it on file at the State Republican Party office. [Refer to State Committee to enact as a
party rule.]
5. In accordance with the Rules of the Oklahoma Republican Party, Rule 20(e), we respectfully
request that the State Party rules be amended to include a plank, which would request that any
Republican candidate for elective office who wishes to receive the endorsement of the
Oklahoma Republican Party, be in agreement with at least 2/3 of the Republican Party
Platform.
6. We reaffirm the need to rewrite and clarify the rules of the State Republican Party as was
approved in the last State Convention but has not occurred. We believe that revision and
updating of the Oklahoma State Republican Party Rules (2003) are needed and long overdue;
therefore, we encourage the State Party to submit such changes to the next State Convention in
April 2009, for adoption.

B. Commendations

1. We commend all of the women and men serving in the United States Armed Forces for
defending our country.
2. We commend Rep. Frank Lucas and Sen. Jim Inhofe for their stalwart opposition to the
bailout.
3. We commend Sen. Randy Brogdon for his fair and principled leadership as Chair of the 2007,
2008, and 2009 State Platform Committees.
4. We commend Kevin Calvey for his fair and principled leadership as Co-Chair of the 2009
State Platform Committee.
5. We congratulate the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs for 15 excellent years addressing
important issues which impact the quality of life in Oklahoma including education reform, tax
reform, lawsuit reform, health care, and worker’s compensation reform.
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6. We congratulate the Oklahoma Constitution Newspaper for 30 years of exemplary service to
conservative political issues and in particular for publishing the annual Conservative Index of
State Legislators.
7. We commend state Representatives Wright, Blackwell, Christian, Coody, Duncan, Enns,
Faught, Johnson, Kern, Key, Liebmann, Moore, Murphey, Osborn, Ownbey, Reynolds, Ritze,
Sanders, Terrill, and Thomsen for opposing inclusion in the House Journal, the introduction of
an openly homosexual minister’s male “fiancé”.

C. Condolences

1. We express our condolences to the families and friends of those members of the Armed Forces,
and all foreign service personnel, who have given their lives to help guarantee the freedom of
our nation and Americans around the world.
Thank you to all of the members of the 2009 State Platform Committee
who gave of their time and effort to work together to produce this document.
Co-Chairs
Senator Randy Brogdon
Kevin Calvey
Members
Seth Adams
Douglas Aitkenhead
Kaye Beach
Gregory Brunsman
Kenneth Brunsman
Donna Byas
Danny Cochran
Nancy Cochran
Benita Coffin
Marian Corcoran
George Cox
Laurette Cuellar
Angela Daniel
Cordon Dekock
Tom Douglass
Rodney Durr
Bill Edmondson
Mary Edmonson
Gloria Evans
Gaylon E. Freeman
Leo Goeringer
James Gottfried
Douglas Graham
John Greening
Shannon Grimes
Dennis Gronquist
Robert Groves
Ashley Hahn
Cindy Hale
Tisa Hanvey
Dwight Hardman
Carles Heaverin
Ada Hill
Linda House
Harry House
Matt Jackson
Ed Jantzen
Robert Dale Jones
Jill Justice
Estell Kauffman II
Linda Kauffman
Ronald Kriesel
Jerry LaFayette
Aaron Latham
Lowell LeFebvre
Dave Lowe
David Main
Roger Mattox
Jane McLaughlin
Kevin McLaughlin
Cynthia McMains
Barbara McRoberts
Bob Moore
Trudy Moore
Sally Paxton
Warren Paxton
Theresa Peralta
Charlotte Phillips
Darrell Phipps
Marceline Piper
Deborah Reiger
Donald Rominger, Jr
Ryan Shelton
Amy Sholtess
Carolyn Smith
Debra Smith
Austin Sneed
Gail Stice
Dick Stickle
Hellen Stickle
Nancy Stirman
Sherri Stone
Margo Tims
Robert Underwood
Lorin Vogeding
Roger Warren
Thomas Weaver
J. David Weston
LarryWilliamson
Joe Windes
BradyWright
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